About The Museum Board of Directors

Shawnigan Lake Historical Society

The Shawnigan Lake Historical Society, a not-for-profit and registered charity, was incorporated in 1977. The sole purpose of the Society was to establish a Museum. Members and volunteers immediately started to collect artifacts, photos and Archival records from the Community. The Museum opened soon after in a waterfront shed on Shawnigan Lake, but moved a few more times before finding a permanent home. In 1983, the Society took over the redundant Firehall in Shawnigan Village and has operated a Museum continuously in the same building since.

The Society is governed by a Board of Directors. Day-to-day operations are managed by a full time Executive Director, a part-time administrator, volunteers and seasonal staff. The Museum is currently a member of the BC Museums Association; Heritage BC; the BC Historical Federation and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Museum may look small from the outside, but the story is big. Shawnigan Lake has a rich history of people, places and events. Staff and Volunteers share their passion for Shawnigan Lake – past, present and future with every visitor. Our Guarantee: We will surprise you!

After almost 40 years in the building, the Society is in the process of expanding and enhancing the existing Museum facility to improve the visitor experience, to increase community programming and for future sustainability. To date, $1.1m has been raised through grants and private donations.